Summer Camp Instructor — Robotics & AI
Illinois MakerLab | BIF 3030, Gies College of Business, UIUC
$16/hr undergrad $17/hr master's 20 hours/week · May 25 – July 31, 2026
About the Role
The Illinois MakerLab — the world's first business school 3D printing lab — is hiring a Summer Camp Instructor with robotics experience to lead our robotics and AI-focused camps. You'll work with small groups of campers (max 6 per session) on hands-on robot assembly, AI-powered humanoid robotics with Reachy Mini, and generative AI–driven 3D design. During non-robotics weeks, you'll support 3D printing camp operations and general lab work.
Camp Assignment
You will be the lead instructor for the following camps (see full camp descriptions):
| Camp | Sessions | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Build Your Own Robot Arm | 3 sessions | Jun 8–12 (PM), Jun 22–26 (AM)*, Jul 13–17 (AM) |
| AI Robotics with Reachy Mini | 3 sessions | Jun 22–26 (PM), Jul 6–10 (PM), Jul 27–31 (AM) |
| Generative AI + 3D Printing | 2 sessions | Jun 15–19 (PM), Jul 20–24 (AM) |
AM: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · PM: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · No camps the week of Jun 29 – Jul 3.
*Week 4 Robot Arm AM will be led by the 3D Printing Instructor as cross-training; you lead Reachy PM that week.
You will also lead one Adventures in 3D Modeling session (Jun 1–5 PM) as cross-training during Week 1 — see the full staff schedule for details.
Employment Dates
- May 25–30: Orientation, training, and camp prep (including robotics kit setup and testing)
- Jun 1 – Jul 31: Camp season (20 hours/week)
Responsibilities
- Lead robotics camp sessions for groups of up to 6 campers (ages 12+)
- Guide campers through robot arm assembly, wiring, and basic programming
- Teach AI concepts and facilitate interaction with the Reachy Mini humanoid robot
- Lead Generative AI + 3D Printing camp sessions (AI-powered design workflows)
- Prepare and test robotics kits, components, and software before each session
- Assist with 3D printing camps during non-robotics weeks
- Manage, maintain, and repair 3D printers of various models
- Communicate with clients to fulfill 3D printing orders (non-camp hours)
Required Qualifications
- Current UIUC student (undergraduate or master's)
- Robotics experience — coursework, projects, or competition experience involving robot assembly, electronics, or programming
- Comfortable working with hardware (wiring, motors, sensors, microcontrollers)
- Basic programming skills (Python preferred; Arduino/C++ a plus)
- Comfortable teaching hands-on technical skills to kids ages 12–17
- Available on campus May 25 – July 31
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with robotic arms, servo motors, or humanoid robotics platforms
- Familiarity with AI/ML concepts (computer vision, natural language processing)
- Experience with generative AI tools (ChatGPT, image generators, etc.)
- CAD experience (Fusion 360, TinkerCAD) and 3D printing knowledge
- Prior tutoring, mentoring, or camp counselor experience
- Robotics competition background (FIRST, VEX, RoboMaster, etc.)
Hours & Pay
- 20 hours/week, $16/hour (undergraduate) or $17/hour (master's student)
- Split between leading camps, assisting 3D printing camps, and general lab operations
How to Apply
Deadline: Saturday, April 5, 2026 at midnight (CT)
Upload your resume and cover letter to our Box upload folder.
Please name your files as follows:
LastName_FirstName_Resume.pdfLastName_FirstName_CoverLetter.pdf
In your cover letter, please:
- Describe your summer plans and confirm you are available May 25 – July 31
- Confirm the schedule works for you — AM shifts require 8:15 AM arrival and PM shifts may require staying until 5:00 PM
- Don't meet every requirement? Apply anyway — just let us know in your cover letter what applies and what doesn't